Chicago woke up Friday, February 20, 2026, to a messy mix of light drizzle and patchy fog, with temperatures hovering near freezing at about 34°F at Midway and visibility trimmed to roughly three miles. Blustery west winds are the main story, with gusts expected to reach 40 to 45 mph and a Wind Advisory in effect through Friday afternoon. Residents are urged to secure loose patio furniture and give themselves extra time on the commute, as high-profile vehicles, cyclists and anyone crossing exposed bridges will feel the strongest hits from the gusts.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, are forecast through 4 PM CST Friday, February 20, 2026. The conditions "will blow around unsecured objects" and may down tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages. Drivers of high-profile vehicles could face tough handling at times, with sudden crosswinds on bridges and ramps. For county-level details and the latest advisories, see the National Weather Service Chicago.
Morning Rain And Snow Chances
A narrow stripe of light rain and drizzle, with a chance for rain to briefly mix with snow, is most likely between about 7 a.m. and noon Friday, February 20, 2026. Any accumulation should be minor and limited to grass or other untreated surfaces. Forecast products note "new rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible" with little impact on pavement, though visibility could drop in heavier pockets of drizzle or snow. The National Weather Service Chicago points to the best odds for minor slushy buildup inland and west of the Fox Valley.
Lakefront, Boaters And The Commute
Nearshore Lake Michigan will be rough this afternoon, with gale warnings and small craft advisories in effect for parts of the shoreline. Small boats are advised to stay in port, and anglers should postpone nonessential trips. On land, the lakefront trail and exposed bridges will run windier and colder than inland spots, so cyclists and runners may want to favor more sheltered routes or bring an extra layer. If you lose power or see fallen limbs, report outages and hazards to city services and your utility company.
Weekend Outlook
Winds ease on Saturday with partly sunny skies and a high near 37°F, but the pattern turns colder from Sunday into Monday. There is an increased chance of lake-effect snow showers late Sunday into Monday, focused over northwest Indiana and nearshore communities, with highs in the low 30s and overnight lows dipping into the 20s.
Secure outdoor items, slow down on exposed roadways and check updated forecasts before heading out this afternoon and over the weekend.
